Trofa: Railway History, Park and Crafts

Trofa combines the history of a former railway station with the Alameda da Estação city park, religious woodcarving and regional cuisine. Its attractions range from the redeveloped railway corridor to historic buildings and craft traditions. You can choose different themes for your stay: nature along the Ave, churches, Roman history or local dishes.

Station, Cultural Space and City Park

The former Estação da Trofa was inaugurated in 1875 and closed in 2010. A new cultural space opened there in August 2018. These dates mark different chapters: the station’s inauguration, its end as a railway facility and its later use for cultural purposes.

The Alameda da Estação, a city park covering more than 67,000 m², was created as part of the redevelopment of the railway corridor. Together with the station’s history, this place illustrates the transformation of the railway corridor: the former transport facility and the park created from it represent different uses over time.

Green Spaces Along the Ave

Parque das Azenhas offers a different focus. It stretches for more than five kilometres along the left bank of the Ave River. Three old mills gave it its name, and the park is also home to a wide variety of fauna and flora. Among the green spaces, Alameda da Estação stands out as a large city park, while the riverbank, mills and rich natural diversity define Parque das Azenhas. The parks can therefore be distinguished by their different features. Check the latest visitor information for Parque das Azenhas before your visit.

Roman History and Churches

The Via romana de Braga ao Porto is marked by eight milestones from the ancient Via XVI, which connected Bracara Augusta and Olisipo. The milestones and the names of the two cities give this historical theme a tangible link to an earlier transport route.

The churches also offer different aspects of cultural history. The Igreja Paroquial de Santiago is listed in Portugal’s heritage register as an IIP. Nicolau Nasoni drew up the first plans for the church in Bougado; its façade bears similarities to that of a famous tower in Porto. A heritage listing, an early contribution to the plans and an architectural comparison of façades offer different perspectives on the history of these buildings.

Crafts and Cuisine

In Vale do Coronado, visitors can visit the workshops of the Santeiros and learn about the art of carving and the knowledge passed down through generations. Check the visiting arrangements in advance. In the Freguesia São Mamede do Coronado in Trofa, artisan families have been making religious wooden figures since the 19th century. Workshop visits and a long tradition of figure-making are among the region’s craft attractions.

Trofa’s traditional cuisine includes the rice dish “Pica-no-Chão.” Traditional sweets and desserts include Rabanadas, Sopas Secas and oven-roasted apples. Together, a rice dish and several sweet treats represent different sides of the local food culture.

Event History

In 2026, the 25th edition of EXPOTROFA marked the event’s 25th anniversary in Trofa. This anniversary edition represents a milestone in the event’s history.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Trofa, Guidões, São Martinho de Bougado, Muro, Santo Tirso, Póvoa de Varzim, Laundos, Vila Nova De Famalicão.

For the broader travel overview: Porto.